Mayor Jaso, sorry I was unable to attend the ceremony honoring you at King’s Park on June 29 for your many years of public service to the citizens and town of Refugio.

I wish I could have been present to personally thank and congratulate you for your exemplary and dedicated service. Serving as a councilman for 25 years and subsequently being elected to mayor and serving another 16 years is quite an accomplishment.

Although I left Refugio in 1955 I do not recall another elected official serving in public life for 41 years. The fact that the voters elected and re-elected you to multiple terms both as councilman and mayor tells me that they respected and liked your leadership and service to the citizens and town of Refugio.

I appreciated the leaders and community honoring you with a ceremony, plaque, as well as proclaiming June 29 as “Ray Jaso Day” in Refugio, but it is my hope that, given your distinguished years of public service, the elected officials will see it appropriate to confer on you the title of “Mayor Emeritus.” It seems clear that through your distinguished elected public service you have earned emeritus status.

If this is not in the works or under consideration I hope that Refugio City Council, the Refugio County Commissioners Court, the Refugio Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trustees for the Refugio Independent School District will jointly consider the appointment of a committee to study and research public service in Refugio and make a recommendation to the city council. Such a study could also identify other individuals who deserve recognition for public service. A “Wall of Honor” could be erected at King’s Park to help honor past and future individuals who have or may distinguish themselves as Mayor Jaso has. Refugio is steeped in history and tradition and is well know for its resources such as oil, cattle, football, education, patriotism, as well as others.

When I am asked where I was born, I always take pride in explaining my birth place and the values that I assimilated being raised in Refugio. Elected officials have helped to shape our beloved Refugio and its past, so it is fitting that these fine citizens are publicly and historically recognized for their contributions. Mayor Jaso, thanks again, sir. I feel certain that history will look at your service in a positive way.